Key Takeaways:

• Preliminary reports confirm bird strikes in the engines of Jeju Air's Boeing 737-800.
• Feathers and blood from Baikal teals identified in both engines.
• The investigation continues to determine the crash's exact cause, with possible design flaws in airport structures under scrutiny.

SEOUL, South Korea – An investigation into the devastating Jeju Air plane crash that occurred on December 29, which resulted in the deaths of 179 of the 181 people on board, has released preliminary findings that indicate the presence of bird remains in both engines. The South Korean authorities submitted a detailed report to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and relevant authorities in the U.S., France, and Thailand, highlighting the alarming facts surrounding the disaster.

The report emphasizes the role of bird strikes in the incident, identifying the remains as belonging to Baikal teals, a migratory duck, as feathers and bloodstains were found in each engine. Investigators confirmed the samples were verified through DNA analysis, reflecting a serious concern around aviation safety in a region where these birds are prevalent during winter.

According to the preliminary investigation, the Boeing 737-800 was attempting to land at Muan International Airport after a flight from Bangkok when it veered off the runway due to its landing gear failing to deploy. The aircraft made a belly landing, colliding with a concrete localizer structure designed to assist aircraft in navigation.BBC reported that the crash obliterated the front fuselage and ignited a fireball, raising questions about the rigidity of such structures and their placement at airports.

South Korean officials have noted that air traffic control had warned the flight crew about the possibility of bird activity just moments before the incident. Following the alarming findings published in this initial summary, authorities announced plans to replace the concrete barriers along runways to prioritize passenger safety.Associated Press noted there was substantial public outcry regarding the safety measures in place, pushing for redesigns that will minimize future risks.

The investigation aims to dive deeper into what led to the tragic accident, indicating a thorough analysis of air traffic communication, engine components, and local aviation protocols. As the aviation community awaits more findings, the focus remains on learning from this tragedy to prevent future occurrences. The full report is expected to be made public within the next 12 months.

For more details, visit South China Morning Post.